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Is it bad to replace one breast due to a capsule contracture? My other breast is fine

I received my breast augmentation April 2017 and my right is cc now. They suggested to remove both and replace with texture. My left is fine. Would it work to just replace the one? They are both under muscle 400 cc.

Doctor Answers 7

Replace both

September 24th, 2016
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From a technical standpoint it is better to replace both implants so the surgeon can control the cosmetic appearance.

Web reference: http://www.plasticsurgery-sanantonio.com/breast/revision/

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS


San Antonio Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 80 reviews

Removal

September 23rd, 2016
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If one breast is doing well, then leave it alone. Every surgery has risks. I would just replace the encapsulated side unless your doctor is choosing a different shaped implant.

Connie Hiers, MD

Connie Hiers, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

Is it bad to replace one breast due to a capsule contracture?

September 18th, 2016
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Yes, it is certainly just fine to work on the breast that is encapsulated; this is  especially true if your breast augmentation was done recently?  In my practice, I would recommend that you leave well enough alone and work on the encapsulated side only. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/capsular-contracture.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

#Explant #BreastImplantRemoval - replace one breast due to a capsule contracture?

September 18th, 2016
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In general, it is fine to address only one implant, particularly if the other one is completely fine.  There are risks to doing even a "minor" procedure to an implant, and I would not necessarily recommend that lightly.  If both implants have been in for a longer time (10+ years) then it may make sense to replace both.  I would normally try to use the same implants on both sides, even with the understanding that breasts are different and that they will not be exactly the same no matter what you do.  You should of course discuss this with your own plastic surgeon, and consider a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeons who can examine you in person.  I hope that this helps and good luck.  Dr. Alan Engler, Member of #RealSelf500

Web reference: http://www.bodysculpture.com

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS
New York Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 108 reviews

Implant exchange

September 18th, 2016
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It is ok to replace one as long as it is the same as before surgery. it would not use different textures or pocket positions without doing the same or similar on the opposite side.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/revision-breast-augmentation/

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Can you operate only on the side with the capsular contracture?

September 18th, 2016
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It is possible to operate on only one side. In my patients I usually consent them to open the opposite side of necessary, but most of the time if it is a grade one capsule it doesn't need to be addressed. And I have numerous times over the years exchanged just one side for a textured implant while leaving a smooth on the opposite side. The first time I did it I worried that the patient would feel or see a difference, however, it turns out that with a silicone implant even I cannot feel or see a difference between textured and smooth in the same patient. It was at that point I started to use More textured implants because of capsular contracture. The other argument to not bothering the other side is that every time you open that pocket you risk contamination. Talk with your doctor about doing the affected side, but give her or him the leeway to address the "unaffected" if they don't match on the table. 


I hope this helps 

Melinda Haws, MD

Melinda Haws, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 40 reviews

Replacement one implant due to CC

September 17th, 2016
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Thanks for your question.  I think that you have a few options. Yes, you can just have the side with CC addressed. The potential issue with this is that the newly operated breast may heal a bit differently that the non operated breast. When correcting CC, I discuss with my patients the option of exchanging both implants, as sometimes that will allow me the option to create the best symmetry possible.  As far as the use of textured implants, some studies have shown that the use of textured implant may decrease the risk of CC. I am assuming that you have smooth implants now.  Obviously, your left breast has healed without issue, so the smooth implant itself has not "caused" the CC.  Usually, CC is a result of some degree of bacterial contamination, usually from the breast tissue itself, or implant rupture.  I would discuss the pros and cons of one side vs both sides and textured vs smooth with your PS. If your implants have been in for many years, it may make sense to replace both.  Best Regards.

Anthony Deboni, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.